Elton John To Host SNL

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[lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Elton John[/lastfm] is set to host AND perform on Saturday Night Live on April 2nd. Much like with [lastfm link_type=”artist_info”]Paul McCartney[/lastfm], I’m shocked how long it’s been since Elton appeared on SNL. Do you remember when it was? I’ll give you a hint: he sang “Empty Garden” and “Ball And Chain.”

The answer is 1982.

Sir Elton John will play double duty on April 2 when he hosts “Saturday Night Live” and appears as the show’s musical guest with Leon Russell. It will be his first time back on the “SNL” stage since 1982, when he performed the songs “Empty Garden” and “Ball And Chain.”

The booking was revealed at John’s annual Oscar viewing party, held Sunday night at the Pacific Design Center. The swank bash included a live auction to benefit the Elton John Aids Foundation. Among the items offered was VIP access for two to SNL’s April 2 show and cast after-party, courtesy of Lorne Michaels. The winning bid came in at $75,000.

Academy Awards aside, John reminded the crowd of 1,000 that he and partner David Furnish were also celebrating a movie feat that night: “Gnomeo & Juliet” nabbing the top spot at the weekend box office in its third week out. Said John, who wrote the music for the film, which Furnish produced: “I never thought I’d be coming to our Oscar party having a No. 1 movie, but it’s fantastic.”